Republicans Pick Unnecessary Fight With SB1062

Arizona is once again making national headlines and pushing into emotionally charged territory with what many feel is an unnecessary, very poorly timed pro discrimination bill titled SB1062. Much like the debate over the world famous SB1070, this bill is creating a swell of protests and threats by countless groups and individuals to boycott Arizona.

Republicans in the legislature are standing by their reasoning that this bill is needed. They cite cases in New Mexico and Colorado where small business owners were forced to provide services against their religious beliefs to same sex couples.

There have not been any legal cases in Arizona but Republicans say they are taking a preemptive step in case it happens here. In reality, they seem to be looking for a fight that does not exist and that could come with unintended consequences. If the goal was to give Democrats something to really rally behind and opportunity after opportunity to campaign and network during this election cycle, they are certainly doing a wonderful job.

Barry Hess, Libertarian candidate for Governor in Arizona recently posted the following statement regarding SB1062 on Facebook. I think he sums it up perfectly:

“Statement regarding whether, as Governor, I would sign SB1062.

No. While all individuals, and non-government businesses retain an absolute right to refuse to do business with anyone (including government), for any reason; proposing a law to that effect is not only redundant, but unnecessarily incites argument. Worse yet, it is an invitation and encouragement for businesses to discriminate against a specific group, for purely political reasons.

The ‘bread and butter’ for the kind of politicians who would propose such legislation is the division of the masses. They seek only to divide us (the American People) up into groups, pit them against one another, and then offer to referee.

I happen to be of the opinion that here, in America (Arizona included), all individuals are absolutely equal, without regard to the usual attempts to divide us based on spiritual beliefs, sex, sexual preferences, skin color, mental capabilities or national or ethnic origins. Our strength as a nation depends only upon our common beliefs as a free People, and the protection of our inherent, God-given rights as individuals, and as Governor, I intend to uphold those beliefs, without exception.”

In other SB1062 related news, one of many free market solutions to business discrimination in Arizona has sprung up on Facebook. We Do Not Discriminate — AZ is a great page created to highlight and support Arizona businesses that DON’T discriminate.

Related

Elisha; I think it comes from a right to refuse service to anyone also!!!My wife said make them a cake and then say God Bless you. The God who will punish you if you don’t except HIS GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE. That is what I would say!!!! Date: Sun, 23 Feb 2014 22:33:32 +0000 To: davidskopec@live.com

“The God who will punish you if you don’t except HIS GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE.” Those sorts of statements don’t really win people over to God. Rather they just drive people away from Him, make them angry or upset, and give a negative impression about His devotees. Also that view does not account for God’s understanding, love and forgiveness for those who did not choose the right the first time.

Suppose you’re in the business of making wedding cakes. A customer comes in, chooses a cake from your selection menu. You make the cake and deliver it to the customer. That is your business.

Now suppose a Muslim couple comes in to order a wedding cake. Do you refuse them because you’re a Christian? Do you insist they accept Christ as their savior first? No. Why? Because that is literally NOT your business. Your business is making wedding cakes.

The same should be true for the gay couple. The fact that they are gay is NOT your business. Your business is making wedding cakes.

To refuse to make wedding cakes for some customers because you don’t like their race, their religion, or their sexual orientation, while continuing to make cakes for everyone else is morally wrong.